Officially launched at an industry event in Glasgow, the voluntary framework sets out a number of standards that entry level operatives must meet when carrying out frontline roles in household, commercial and industrial waste management.
These include ensuring induction training is in place for operatives working in roles such as materials recycling facility (MRF) sorting lines, household waste recycling centre (HWRC) operatives, collection vehicle drivers or machine operatives on issues such as working at height, compliance with environmental legislation and supervision of operations.
The SWITCH Forum, supported by Zero Waste Scotland, is made up of over 30 organisations from the waste and recycling industry in Scotland.
Health and safety is among the key concerns for the waste sector, with latest official records showing that there were a total of five fatal injuries to waste workers in 2014/15.
Common accidents in the sector are thought to be caused by slips and trips, handling, lifting or carrying, and being struck by moving objects.
Framework
The aim of the framework is to provide leadership by working together to raise standards of health and safety, training, learning, development and competence to promote the Scottish resource management industry as an attractive career choice.
Charlie Devine, Head of Resource Management at Zero Waste Scotland, who chairs the SWITCH group, said: “There are still many hazards and risks associated with the resource management and recycling industry, and health and safety must remain the utmost priority. With the introduction of the new framework we hope that we can raise Health and Safety standards and start to enhance knowledge, skills and behaviours and improve the industry’s health and safety record.”
Several organisations volunteered to be early adopters of the framework, including waste management firms William Tracey Group and Binn Group.
Audrey Duckworth, environmental manager, William Tracey Group, said: “The nature of our industry means we are acutely aware of both our health & safety and environmental responsibilities. Adopting the SWITCH framework ensures that every employee joining our business has a consistent baseline of competency and provides a strong foundation from which to build their knowledge and skills. The flexible design of the framework made it easy to implement and we had our first Training Academy Graduate in just six months.”
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